The Delta independent., 1887-04-19
Fun in Parliament.

In the course of the debate on the
Coercion bill in the House of Commons
Friday afternoon, Major Sanderson, the
Conservative member, said the National
League was supported mainly by criminals,
dynamiters and murderers:across theAtlan-
tic. He did not charge the gentlemen op-
opsite with imbuing their hands in blood,
but did charge them with associating with
men whom they knew 10 be murdersrs.
Healy rose to point of order but the
Speaker replied that Major Sanderson made
grave charges, but these could be met in de-
bate. He was himself unable to interfere.
Healy responded that he would say what he
thought of Sanderson regardless of conse-
Quences. If Major Sanderson referred to
him in his previous speech he had no hesi-
tation in saying Sanderson was liar. This
remark was greeted with rOusing Parnellite
cheers. The Speaker called upon Healy to
withdraw the expression, but Healy replied
Il am not entitled to rise till you sit down"
Cheering renewed. The Speaker resumed
the chair. Healy again took the floor and
said: II am only able to meet the charge
in one way. Ifyou rule Major Sanderson in
order my expression is equallyin order. If
you rule him out of order | shall withdraw
my expression
Speaker-That's not so. Sanderson made
a charge of the gravest nature and the re-
sponsibility rests entirely with himself. It's
his duty to prove it If he can [cheersl, but l
cannot allow an expression you used.
Healy repeated that Sanderson was liar.
Great uproar arose. The Speaker again
called upon Healy to withdraw. Healy re-
fused. The Speaker thereupon named him
and w. III. Smith, First Lord of the Treas
ury, moved that Healy be suspended.
Mr.. Redmond jumped UP and shouted: 81
say he is liar, too" The House divided
on the motion to suspend Mr.. Healy. The
motion was carried lis to So. When the vote
was announced Mr.. Healy walked out of
house, applauded by all the Parnellites,
who stood up waving their hats and rails
ing cheer after cheer. Sanderson upon at
tempting to resume his speech was inter-
rupted by loud cries of "Withdraw,"
Withdraw" Sexton, interrupting, asked
Sanderson whether he (Sanderson) per-
sisted in his statement, or would he with
draw it. Sanderson replied that "Sherdan
was member of the executive committee
of which the member from West Belfast
(Sexton) was also a member" loud cries
of "Withdraw"l
Sexton-'Did l know him to be mur-
derer, did | ever associate with a man
whom knew to be a murderer? Cheers,
and voice Withdraw, your a murS sr-
er"1
Sanderson-"I said Sheridan was on the
committee and against him, was true bill
found for completely in the Phoenix Park
murders. The committee must have known
what kind of man he was.''
Here Sexton springing to his feet shouted:
Il say you are willful, cowardly liar
Then there was another uproar The
Parnelltes all rose and cheered frantically,
waving their hands. AS soon as there was
chance to be heard Sexton began again,
addressing Sanderson, who exclaimed: 'If
l could only meet you outside the
door of this house would thrash you with
in an inch of your life."
The excitement was again renewed. The
Speaker arose and addressed the House,
but his voice was inaudible above the din
When quiet was somewhat restored the
Speaker said unless Sexton withdrew the
expression he would be compelled to name
him. He appealed to the House to assist
him in his duty, adding that he was willing
to do anything in his power to allay the bad
feeling. [Cheers.l The Speaker then
asked Sanderson whether lie charged Sex
Ton with associating with murderers. San
derson, after several evasive answers,
which were interrupted by loud cries, "An-
swer!' ANSWER the Speakers question:"
etc, eventually withdrew the words he
used. The Speaker then asked Sexton to
withdraw his expression, at the same time
adding: II can't conceal from myself the
fact that the provocation has been very
great. [Cheers.l Sexton formally with
drew the expression. Leake, member for
Tanneashire, suggested that Healy be re-
called. The Speaker said nothing could be
done on the matter until next sitting. Sex
ton gave notice that at next sitting he
would move suspension and Healy be re-
called.